Cooperatively Speaking

E&I Host: 
Allison Lambert, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest: 
Sue Peters, E&I Vice President, K-12 Engagement

K-12 procurement is more complex than ever, with challenges like staffing shortages, cybersecurity, and budget constraints. In this Cooperatively Speaking episode, Allison Lambert and Sue Peters, E&I's Vice President of K-12 Engagement, discuss strategies to overcome these hurdles. Learn how early procurement involvement, cooperative contracts, and cross-departmental collaboration can align purchasing with educational goals, plus hear real-world success stories in managing supply chain disruptions and building supplier diversity programs. 

Relevant Links:
E&I's K-12 Commitment
E&I Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Dennis Hyde, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest:
Nicholas Russo, B&H, Business Development and Account Manager-Apple Sales

Join us as E&I’s Dennis Hyde speaks with Nicholas Russo, Business Development Lead at B&H, about B&H’s exclusive partnership with Apple in the higher education space. They explore B&H’s role as the new Apple-authorized reseller for higher education, offering institutions access to Apple products and services like AppleCare Plus, bulk purchasing, and asset tagging. Nicholas, who spent 12 years at Apple, shares his unique insights and explains how B&H delivers a seamless, competitive experience for schools looking to equip students and staff with cutting-edge technology.

Relevant Links:
E&I's B&H Contract
B&H Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Dennis Hyde, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest:
Morgan Hoyt, Vice President of Business Development, Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP)
Ben Rader, Director of Business Development, Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP)

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking, E&I’s Dennis Hyde is joined by Morgan Hoyt and Ben Rader from Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP) to explore the evolving role of sustainable business travel in higher education. The discussion covers the current sustainability landscape, tools for tracking and reducing travel emissions, and key considerations for choosing effective carbon offset providers. With practical tips and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable insights for institutions looking to align their travel programs with their sustainability goals.

Relevant Links:
E&I's CTP Contract
CTP Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest:
Barry Swanson, Chief Procurement Officer, University of Kentucky

In the first episode of Cooperatively Speaking's "From the Desk of" series, Matt Levine interviews Barry Swanson, Chief Procurement Officer at the University of Kentucky. Barry discusses his career journey from law school to higher education procurement and shares insights on key priorities like the university’s construction budget, healthcare spending, and economic engagement. He highlights the impact of procurement decisions on both the university and the state, the shift toward a service-oriented model, and the potential influence of AI. Barry also offers advice for young professionals and shares his outlook on upcoming trends in procurement.

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host: 
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

Guest: 
Eric Frank, President & CEO, E&I Cooperative Services

In this special 90th anniversary episode, E&I CEO Eric Frank explores the Cooperative's rich history and forward-looking vision. Founded in 1934 during the Great Depression by procurement officers from Colgate, Cornell, and Syracuse University, E&I was born from a commitment to leveraging collective purchasing power for competitively solicited contracts with superior terms and conditions. Eric reflects on how the organization has grown and evolved, highlighting innovations like advanced data analytics, eProcurement, and new education and training resources. He underscores that E&I’s strong culture, dedicated team, and exclusive focus on education are key to its ongoing success and ability to adapt to emerging needs.

Relevant Links:
Watch: E&I's 90th Anniversary Video
Watch: What It Means to Be a Member-Owned Cooperative
E&I Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

Guest: 
Brian Kirk, Vice President, Cybersecurity Services,  Strata Information Group (SIG)

Join Brian Kirk from Strata Information Group (SIG) to discuss the crucial elements of incident response planning in higher education. Discover the essentials of crafting an effective Incident Response Plan (IRP) and how compliance with GLBA requirements can protect student data. Brian also highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and the benefits of tabletop exercises in preparing your institution for potential threats. Tune in for expert insights on strengthening your cybersecurity strategy.

Relevant Links:
E&I SIG Contract
SIG Cyber Solutions
SIG Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host: 
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

 Guest: 
Marc Heroux, Product Specialist, Alert Labs

In part two of this series, David welcomes Marc Heroux from Alert Labs, a provider available through the E&I Carrier Enterprise contract, to discuss water management problems and how to solve them. Water usage monitoring, damage prevention, remote water shutoff, and HVAC monitoring are covered. Marc explains how their products provide minute-to-minute water use analysis using AI and algorithms, and alert you of any deviations. Their platform helps find problems faster, resolve them quicker, and conserve water, which is very important. 

Relevant Links:
E&I Carrier Enterprise Contract
Carrier Enterprise Website
Alert Labs Website
Alert Labs Solutions for Education
AlertAQ™ Water Intelligence Platform
Water Energy Nexus
EPA Water Quality Scorecard

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity; Casey Laurienzo, Vice President, Community Engagement & Education
Guest: Reginald Layton, Former Vice President, Supplier Diversity & Supply Chain Sustainability at Johnson Controls International Plc; Ralph G. Moore, Founder & President of Ralph G. Moore & Associates

Join Reginald Layton and Ralph Moore from RGMA as we explore the nuanced differences between supplier diversity and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Gain valuable insights into strategies for effectively integrating both supplier diversity and DEI initiatives to foster a more inclusive and equitable business environment at your institution. The conversation sheds light on the distinct yet complementary roles each plays in driving meaningful change.

Relevant Links:

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• E&I's commitment to Supplier Diversity
• E&I RGMA contract
• RGMA website
• RGMA Digital Suite for Higher Ed Video

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

Guest: 
Keaton Henry, Category Sales Specialist – Connected & IAQ, Ferguson

In part one of this series, David welcomes Keaton Henry, an industry expert at Ferguson, for an insightful discussion about industrial smart devices from an HVAC standpoint, and leak detection devices from a plumbing standpoint. Keaton covers diagnosing mechanical issues using proactive rather than reactive methods. He highlights the importance of 24/7 monitoring, receiving real-time notifications, inexpensive and risk-free ways to monitor and measure air and water quality, best practices for education, and more.

Relevant Links:
E&I Ferguson Contract
Ferguson Website
Ferguson Indoor Air Quality Solutions Web Page
Ferguson Mechanical Solutions Web Page

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Hosts: Titus Martin, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity and David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors
Guest: Reginald Layton, Former Vice President, Supplier Diversity & Supply Chain Sustainability at Johnson Controls International Plc

In part four of our Supplier Diversity Leadership Series, Titus and David welcome Reginald Layton, a renowned expert and Supplier Diversity thought leader.  Reginald provides a comprehensive guide for organizations on implementing supplier diversity best practices. He highlights the value proposition of supplier diversity for educational institutions, detailing five key reasons to adopt these practices. He also explores the strong alignment between supplier diversity and sustainability, explaining how both ecosystems support each other. 

Relevant Links:

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• Billion Dollar Roundtable 
• E&I's commitment to Supplier Diversity
• E&I RGMA contract
• RGMA website
• RGMA Digital Suite for Higher Ed Video

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at [email protected].

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.